Victorian government scraps planned statue of former premier Daniel Andrews

Plans to erect a statue of former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews have been officially scrapped, with his successor Ben Carroll commissioning an independent panel to review the state's approach to commemorating past leaders.

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I respect your money. That means being careful and deliberate about how government spends it.

The decision means the planned tribute to Mr. Andrews, who served as premier from 2014 to 2023, will not proceed. Premier Carroll stated that while the government is grateful for the service of former premiers, "gratitude does not require a taxpayer-funded statue." He emphasized a need to be careful and deliberate with public funds, suggesting that state funerals and tributes should be special and rare.

This move follows considerable political debate surrounding the statue project, which gained traction after Mr. Andrews surpassed 3,000 days in office. The opposition had previously pledged to cancel the statue if they won the government. Premier Carroll confirmed that the existing contract for the statue would not be canceled to avoid unnecessary costs, and the newly formed independent panel will recommend an alternative subject and location for the commissioned artwork.

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State funerals are special and moving tributes. Part of what makes them special is their rarity.

The panel's review will encompass how Victoria commemorates officials with state services and statues. This initiative aims to establish a more considered process, moving away from individual tributes like the proposed Andrews statue. The government seeks to ensure public funds are used judiciously while still acknowledging the service of past leaders.

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We are grateful to former premiers for their service. But gratitude does not require a taxpayer-funded statue.